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Facts You Should Know About Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal Hemroid diagram Internal hemorrhoids are the most common form of hemorrhoids and more often than not they will go undetected if they are mild in nature. These are swollen anal veins that form on the inner region of the anal canal. Generally they are not painful however; they can be identified by blood that appears in the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl. The blood is typically bright red in color and minimal in the amount that appears in the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl.

What are Internal Hemorrhoids?

Exactly What are internal hemorrhoids? Since internal hemroids are essentially veins in the anus that are covered by a thin layer of skin that resembles the skin of your colon, they can become easily irritated through improper diet and straining during a bowel movement. As a result the veins become swollen and will rupture as the result of a hard stool rubbing against the swollen vein during a bowel movement. This will cause bleeding which is detected in the stool, on toilet paper, or by little droplets of blood in the toilet bowl.


Big green butt with internal hemroids

The causes of internal hemorrhoids are simple: Improper diet and straining during bowel movements. Your only clue that you may have internal hemorrhoids may be the bright red blood in your stool. Don't ignore this symptom! Be sure to check with your doctor if you find this as it is also the symptom of more serious conditions.







Prolapsed Hemorrhoids

Prolapsed hemorrhoids can become the result of internal hemorrhoids. A prolapsed hemorrhoid can protrude out to the anal opening leaving it vulnerable to hemorrhoid strangulation which can occur as a result of anal muscle spasms. In the latter instance the blood circulation is cut off which results in a serious condition that requires medical attention.

Internal Hemorrhoid Grading

Internal hemorrhoids have what is called a Banov grading system which defines the severity of an internal hemorrhoid condition. This internal hemorrhoid grading system is used by medical professionals to categorize the severity of your hemorrhoids.

  • Grade I

  • This grade of hemorrhoid is the mildest symptom and does not become prolapsed to the outside of the rectal area. In most instances this type of internal hemorrhoid goes unnoticed.

  • Grade II

  • This type of hemorrhoid will become prolapsed during a bowel movement but then will spontaneously reduce. Like the grade I internal hemorrhoid it often goes undetected unless you are paying attention to the details.

  • Grade III

  • A grade III hemorrhoid will become prolapsed during a bowel movement and can only be manually reduced by pushing it back into the rectum with your finger. This is the stage where you begin to notice a hemorrhoid condition exists.

  • Grade IV

  • This is the most severe stage of hemorrhoids and occurs when the hemorrhoids become prolapsed during bowel movement and they cannot be manually reduced. This causes significant pain and discomfort and requires medical attention to provide relief.


What do Internal Hemorrhoids Look Like?

We are often asked What do internal hemorrhoids look like? Internal hemorrhoids can be seen when they become thrombosed and prolapsed and will appear dark red or a bluish purple in color. You can identify both types by using a mirror to examine your anal area. Prolapsed hemorrhoids will protrude from your anal area in the shape of a grape and will be dark red in color. If they are bluish purple in color they are most likely thrombosed and will require the attention of a medical professional.

Treatment for Internal Hemorrhoids

The treatment for internal hemorrhoids will vary depending upon the grade of the hemorrhoid condition. As a general rule you should change your diet to include more fiber and increase your intake of water. Avoid foods that cause gas or diarrhea and avoid waiting to have a bowel movement as this can cause the stool to harden. Get plenty of exercise to reduce the pressure in the veins in the anal area and to avoid constipation.

What is a strangulated hemorrhoid?

If your condition is at the Grade III or Grade IV stage, it is wise to seek medical attention, especially if it has reached the point of prolapse where you run the risk of the hemorrhoid becoming strangulated. Strangulated hemorrhoids are the most painful.

If you get one of these, you will definitely be looking for relief from your hemorrhoid symptoms.

We recommend only one Safe Hemorrhoid Treatment.





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